Dear Alumni, Friends and Supporters,
In 2026, we proudly mark the 20th anniversary of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. Over the past two decades, our Institute has been at the forefront of advancing cancer treatment, offering hope and healing to thousands of patients and their families. A prominent symbol of progress that patients ring upon completion of treatment is in our main lobby — Aud’s Chime. You can see this powerful symbol in our 20th anniversary logo represented by the three vertical bars in the numeral 20.
To celebrate this remarkable milestone, we will highlight stories of progress, innovation and resilience that have defined our journey. We will reflect on our achievements, share patient experiences and look ahead to the future of proton therapy and cancer care.
Throughout the year, we are creating many ways to remember, gather and connect, whether in person or virtually. We hope you will join us!
Thank you for being an essential part of our community. Together, we celebrate not only our history, but also the lives we continue to touch and transform.
With gratitude,
Kristin Heath, DBA, MBA, MHA
Executive Director
Progress in Proton Therapy
Human progress has no finish line and at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, we continue to improve cancer treatment for patients through technological innovation and high-quality clinical research.
Reducing Side Effects and Increasing Survival for People with Head and Neck Cancer
The proton therapy community made groundbreaking progress in December 2025 when The Lancet published a first-of-its-kind study that shows a rare combination of benefits with both reduced side effects and improved survival for head and neck cancer patients.
Celebrating 20 Years of Progress in Proton Therapy
As we embark on the 20th anniversary of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, we reflect with pride and gratitude on the transformative advances that have shaped our legacy.
Progress is Personal
We push cancer treatment forward so people can move forward. More than 12,000 people have entrusted us with their cancer treatment. These stories are their personal experiences of proton therapy.
A Personal Challenge Met with Inner Strength and Teamwork
Drew Rogers is always up for a little friendly competition. An accomplished hockey player and Dragon Boat paddler and coach, he enjoys the challenge and teamwork.
Chime Stories Recall Milestone Moments
We invite you to hear patient alumni as they recall the moment they rang Aud’s Chime upon completion of treatment at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
Interviews
Gary F. Shares How Ringing the Chime Brought Tears of Gratitude to His Eyes
Drew R. Rang the Chime and Celebrated the End of Treatment for Throat Cancer
Kelly J. Was Determined to Beat Breast Cancer and is 14-Years Cancer-Free
Sarah and Jahdyn P. Journey from Australia to Save Their 2-Year-Old Daughter’s Life
See More Patient Stories & Testimonials
Want to know what it's like to be a patient at the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute?
View Stories
20th Anniversary Events
Featured Events
Thriving After Breast Cancer: A Day of Hope and Healing
Thursday, April 23, 2026 @ 9:00am - 12pm
Location: UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., Jacksonville, FL 32206
Did you miss you our Breast Cancer Survivorship Day of Hope & Healing in January? On April 23, 2026, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute will host its second Thriving After Breast Cancer: A Day of Hope and Healing. This survivorship event will feature speakers, resources and community support for patients and survivors. Join us for an inspiring day designed to uplift survivors and empower those still on their journey. Hope, healing and community are the heart of survivorship, and we are honored to bring these together. Join us if you are a breast cancer survivor currently undergoing treatment or completed treatment years ago! Click here to see details on topics, speakers and our free registration: https://bit.ly/SurvivorshipEvent1
For More Info: Contact Tamara at (904) 588-1293 or tsorrye@floridaproton.org.
You’re Invited: 20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend
Friday, October 23, 2026 - Sunday, October 25, 2026
Location: The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute and the Omni Amelia Island Resort
Join us October 23–25, 2026, at the Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa for the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend.
It will be a meaningful time to gather with patients, families, proton ambassadors and supporters, reflect on 20 years of lifesaving innovation and look ahead to what’s next in proton therapy.
Proceeds from the event will further the Institute's mission by supporting essential facility upgrades, advancing innovation and expanding clinical research—enabling us to reach new milestones and transform lives.
We’d love to have you join us to celebrate this special milestone.
Celebrate 20 Years of Hope and Healing with Us!
In honor of this milestone year, we invite you to make a gift that will help us continue advancing leading-edge treatments and delivering compassionate care to patients and families. Your contribution will ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovation, hope and healing for years to come.
Join us in commemorating this special anniversary by making a gift today, because every gift helps us write the next chapter in our story of impact.
Make a Gift!
Donations can be made online at any time or by mailing a check to: UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, Attn: Development, 2015 North Jefferson Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. Please note "20th Anniversary" in the memo line. Gifts are also accepted as appreciated securities, from a Donor Advised Fund or as a qualified charitable deduction from your IRA. For more information, please contact Kasey Heilman, 904-588 1519
Save the Date: 20<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Celebration
Friday, October 23, 2026 - Sunday, October 25, 2026 @ Time TBD
Location: UF Health Proton Therapy Institute and Omni Amelia Island Resort
Registration Details to Come
We are thrilled to welcome friends of the Institute back to Northeast Florida as we celebrate our 20th Anniversary on October 23-25, 2026. This milestone will be commemorated with a three-day anniversary celebration at the Omni Amelia Island Resort, bringing together alumni, families, physicians and staff. Enjoy guided tours of the Institute, engaging presentations by our physicians and staff, and a memorable 20th Anniversary Celebration on the afternoon of October 24. Registration will open soon—mark your calendar and register early to be part of this special event!
If you are interested in hosting an alumni gathering in your area, or joining a volunteer group for the anniversary, please reach out to Kasey Heilman at Kheilman@floridaproton.org.
People of Proton Therapy
People Make Proton Therapy Possible
We honor the people who have dedicated their careers, expertise and time to move cancer care forward at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
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